Discover Miến Lươn, Hanoi’s iconic eel cellophane noodle soup, in Hoan Kiem Ward! Explore its culture, top spots, costs, and eco-friendly tours with Legend Travel Group. Book now!
Capture the fragrant essence of Hanoi’s culinary gem (Source: Internet)Miến Lươn, Hanoi’s cherished eel cellophane noodle soup, is a soul-warming dish that embodies the capital’s rich culinary heritage. Pronounced “mee-en luon” (eel glass noodle soup), this northern Vietnamese specialty thrives in Hoan Kiem Ward’s vibrant Old Quarter. It features silky cellophane noodles (miến, made from mung bean or arrowroot starch) in a fragrant broth crafted from eel and pork bones, topped with crispy deep-fried or tender steamed eel, bean sprouts, roasted peanuts, fried shallots, and herbs like Vietnamese coriander (rau răm), chives, and cilantro. Priced at $1.50–$3 (37,500–75,000 VND), Miến Lươn offers a harmonious blend of umami, sweetness, and spice, enhanced by a squeeze of lime or chili paste, making it a comforting choice for breakfast, lunch, or chilly evenings.
A Hanoian favorite, Miến Lươn is rooted in Vietnam’s rice-farming culture, where eels are raised in polyculture rice fields, harvested alongside crops. In Hoan Kiem Ward, vendors source medium-sized eels from regions like Nghe An and Bac Ninh, ensuring quality, and use eco-friendly reusable bowls to align with Hanoi’s “Green Capital” initiative. Available in three styles—soup (nước), dry (khô), and stir-fried (xào)—Miến Lươn’s versatility and light, digestible nature (low-starch noodles, protein-rich eel) make it a standout, distinct from heavier dishes like Phở Bò. Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly food tours guide travelers to savor Miến Lươn in its authentic setting, ensuring a sustainable, immersive experience. Book via the links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com
Vietnam’s administrative restructuring has reclassified Hanoi’s districts as wards or communes, with Hoan Kiem District now Hoan Kiem Ward, Ba Đình District now Ba Đình Ward, and Hai Bà Trưng District now Hai Bà Trưng District under Hanoi City’s administration. This streamlines navigation to Miến Lươn hotspots using ward-based maps.
Legend Travel Group excels in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering guided eco-friendly food tours in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem and Ba Đình Wards, tailored for travelers seeking authentic culinary experiences. Our tours use low-impact transport like cyclos, led by English-speaking guides who share Miến Lươn’s cultural heritage, preparation secrets, and sustainable dining practices, ensuring a safe, enriching adventure. Supporting local vendors, we align with Hanoi’s green initiatives. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we make planning effortless. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and savor Miến Lươn responsibly! TripAdvisor Reviews
Photograph the vibrant allure of Hanoi’s food scene (Source: Internet)Miến Lươn, a Hanoi specialty with roots in rural rice-farming regions like Nghe An and Ninh Binh, reflects Vietnam’s agrarian ingenuity. Eels, raised in rice paddies, are cleaned with lime juice, vinegar, or salt to remove slime and odor, then filleted. The bones and heads are simmered with pork bones and spices like ginger and shallots for 6–8 hours to create a rich, savory broth, while the meat is deep-fried until golden and crispy (lươn giòn) or steamed for tenderness (lươn mềm). High-quality cellophane noodles, often mung bean-based for a chewy texture, are blanched in the broth, paired with bean sprouts, shiitake or wood ear mushrooms, and herbs like Vietnamese coriander for aromatic depth. A seasonal delicacy, eel eggs (available February–July), add a rich, fatty flavor prized by locals.
Served in bustling Hoan Kiem Ward stalls, Miến Lươn is a communal ritual, enjoyed by locals and tourists on low stools, especially on Hanoi’s chilly winter days. Its light yet flavorful profile—low in starch, high in omega-3s—makes it a nourishing choice, contrasting with richer dishes like Bún Chả. Vendors use eco-friendly practices, sourcing eels sustainably and minimizing waste with reusable bowls, aligning with Hanoi’s sustainability goals. From traditional soup to modern dry or stir-fried variations, Miến Lươn’s versatility captivates, making it a must-try for culinary explorers.
Hoan Kiem Ward’s Old Quarter is a hotspot for Miến Lươn, with stalls offering authentic bowls for $1.50–$3 (37,500–75,000 VND). Below are top spots, selected for quality, eco-friendly practices, and recent reviews:
A 40-year-old Michelin Bib Gourmand icon, renowned for crispy eel and rich broth, best at 8:00 AM or 6:00 PM. Uses reusable bowls and sustainably sourced eels from Nghe An.
Cost: $1.80–$3 (45,000–75,000 VND); extra eel $1 (25,000 VND); trà đá $0.20 (5,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–9:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Local ingredients; minimal waste.
Tip: Try the dry version with sweet-sour sauce; included in our Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
A cozy stall with tender steamed eel and aromatic herbs, best at 7:30 AM. Eco-friendly reusable trays and local sourcing.
Cost: $1.50–$2.50 (37,500–62,500 VND); quẩy $0.20 (5,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–2:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Local eels; biodegradable packaging.
Tip: Add lime for tang; included in our Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
A local gem with robust broth and crispy eel, best at 11:00 AM. Sustainable sourcing and reusable bowls.
Cost: $1.50–$2.50 (37,500–62,500 VND); trà đá $0.20 (5,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 6:30 AM–3:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Local ingredients; minimal waste.
Tip: Try with eel eggs (February–July); included in our Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
A vibrant spot with stir-fried Miến Lươn, best at 5:00 PM. Eco-friendly reusable plates and local herbs.
Cost: $1.80–$3 (45,000–75,000 VND); lime juice $0.40 (10,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 3:00 PM–9:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Local eels; minimal waste.
Tip: Order the xào version; included in our Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
A nightlife hub stall with flavorful broth, best at 6:00 PM. Eco-friendly reusable trays and local ingredients.
Cost: $1.50–$2.50 (37,500–62,500 VND); trà đá $0.20 (5,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 3:00 PM–10:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Local sourcing; biodegradable packaging.
Tip: Pair with quẩy; included in our Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Experience Hanoi Tours with sustainable dining (Source: Internet)To savor Miến Lươn authentically, follow these Hanoian dining practices:
Mix Thoroughly: Use chopsticks to blend noodles, eel, bean sprouts, and herbs with the broth or sauce (for dry/stir-fried versions) to coat evenly.
Customize: Add a squeeze of lime, a pinch of chili paste, or extra Vietnamese coriander for tang and spice. Adjust fish sauce (1–2 tsp) sparingly.
Eat Hot: Slurp the soup version while steaming to savor the broth’s aroma; for dry or stir-fried, eat promptly to enjoy crispy eel.
Sides: Pair with quẩy ($0.20 or 5,000 VND) for crunch or trà đá ($0.20 or 5,000 VND) for refreshment. Eco-Friendly Tip: Choose stalls with reusable bowls; bring a reusable napkin to reduce waste.
Enhance your Miến Lươn adventure with these sustainable activities in Hoan Kiem Ward:
Join a 2–3-hour eco-friendly tour via cyclos, tasting Miến Lươn at Đông Thịnh at 8:00 AM, learning preparation secrets.
Cost: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND) per person.
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–9:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Low-impact transport; supports vendors.
Tip: Included in our Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Explore Dong Xuan Market (Ba Đình Ward, 1.5 km from Hoan Kiem) for Miến Lươn ingredients like herbs, a 1–2-hour activity at 10:00 AM.
Cost: Free entry; purchases $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Local sourcing; reusable bags.
Tip: Included in our Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Learn Miến Lươn preparation in a 2-hour eco-friendly class at 11:00 AM, using local ingredients.
Cost: $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND) per person.
Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Sustainable sourcing; compostable waste.
Tip: Included in our Hanoi Cultural Food Tour ($100–$150).
Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake (1 km from Miến Lươn stalls) post-lunch at 2:00 PM, a 30–60-minute low-impact activity.
Cost: Free; Ngoc Son Temple entry $1.20 (30,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Pedestrian-friendly; supports local culture.
Tip: Included in our Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Taste bánh mì chay near Miến Lươn stalls at 4:00 PM, a 30–60-minute sustainable activity.
Cost: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) per dish.
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Biodegradable packaging; local vendors.
Top Spot: Vegan Banh Mi (11 Phùng Hưng, Hoan Kiem Ward).
Tip: Included in our Hanoi Cultural Food Tour ($100–$150).
Start your Hanoi Travel with a flavorful bowl (Source: Internet)Miến Lươn stalls in Hoan Kiem Ward are accessible in 10–15 minutes from central Hanoi, using sustainable options:
By Bus: Routes 01, 09, or 14 to Hoan Kiem spots (10–15 min, $0.30–$0.50 or 7,000–12,000 VND). Walk 5–10 minutes. Buses run every 10–20 minutes from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
By Cyclo or Electric Cart: From Hoan Kiem Lake, hire a cyclo to Hoan Kiem spots (5–10 min, $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).
By Bicycle or Walking: Rent a bicycle in Hoan Kiem Ward ($1–$3/day or 25,000–75,000 VND) or walk 10 minutes to Hoan Kiem spots.
By Taxi or Grab: To Hoan Kiem spots, $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND) one-way. Round-trip: $4–$8 (100,000–200,000 VND). Prestigious taxis: Mai Linh (0438,222,666), Hanoi Taxi (0438,535,353).
By Private Car (Legend Travel Group): Book a private car ($30–$50 or 750,000–1,250,000 VND round-trip for up to 4 people) for eco-friendly travel with stopovers.
By Air (to Hanoi): Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), 25 km away. Round-trip flights: Ho Chi Minh City ($80–$150 or 2,000,000–3,750,000 VND), Da Nang ($60–$120 or 1,500,000–3,000,000 VND), international (e.g., Bangkok, $200–$600). Airport Bus No. 86 to Hoan Kiem Ward ($1.40 or 35,000 VND); taxi/Grab to Hoan Kiem ($12–$15 or 300,000–375,000 VND). Navigation Tip: Use offline maps (Maps.me) with addresses (e.g., “87 Hàng Điếu, Hoan Kiem Ward”). English-speaking guides simplify navigation.
Pack these essentials for a sustainable Hanoi visit:
Clothing: Lightweight, casual outfits for cultural respect; comfortable shoes for Old Quarter walking. Waterproof jackets for rainy season.
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat.
Travel Essentials: Mosquito repellent, reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with offline maps (Maps.me), portable charger.
Documents: Passport, travel insurance, tour confirmations, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote bag, napkin to minimize waste.
Extras: Notebook for dining notes; cash, as most stalls are cash-only. Tip: Carry small VND notes for quick payments; use reusable bowls at stalls.
Learn Hanoi’s food heritage with expert insights (Source: Internet)Food and Drink Fees
Miến Lươn: $1.50–$3 (37,500–75,000 VND); extra eel $1 (25,000 VND).
Sides (trà đá, quẩy): $0.20–$0.40 (5,000–10,000 VND).
Guided Food Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Market Purchases (herbs): $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).
Street Food (bánh mì chay): $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Ngoc Son Temple (Hoan Kiem): $1.20 (30,000 VND).
Transportation (Round-Trip, from Hoan Kiem Ward)
Bus: $0.60–$1 (14,000–24,000 VND).
Cyclo/Electric Cart: $4–$10 (100,000–250,000 VND).
Bicycle: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).
Walking: Free.
Taxi/Grab: $4–$8 (100,000–200,000 VND).
Private Car: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND).
Airport Bus No. 86 + Taxi: $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND).
Accommodation (Per Night, Double Occupancy)
Homestays: $20–$50 (500,000–1,250,000 VND).
Hotels: $30–$80 (750,000–2,000,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $10–$25 (bus, Miến Lươn, homestay).
Mid-range: $35–$55 (cyclo, food tour, hotel).
Luxury: $75–$110 (private car, premium hotel). Tip: Book early for Tet or dry season; carry VND for small purchases.
Choose Your Timing: Dry season (November–April) for outdoor stalls; rainy season (May–October) for covered spots with discounts. Morning (7:00–9:00 AM) for freshest broth; evening (5:00–8:00 PM) for lively vibes.
Book in Advance: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s food tours 3–5 weeks ahead for peak seasons to secure spots.
Sustainability: Walk or use cyclos ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) to reduce emissions; choose stalls with reusable bowls. Buy local herbs ($0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND) at markets to support vendors.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) with addresses like “87 Hàng Điếu, Hoan Kiem Ward.” English-speaking guides simplify navigation.
Safety: Watch for pickpockets in crowded Old Quarter stalls; keep valuables secure. Carry a first-aid kit.
Weather Considerations: Dry season for open-air seating; rainy season requires waterproof gear ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND). Check AccuWeather for updates.
Cultural Respect: Say “cảm ơn”; slurp politely to show appreciation. Tip vendors $0.20–$0.50 (5,000–12,500 VND). Respect stool etiquette in busy stalls.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND) alongside Miến Lươn; apply mosquito repellent. Consume eel in moderation due to potential mercury levels.
Our sustainable tours showcase Hoan Kiem Ward’s Miến Lươn culture:
Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Cyclo ride to Miến Lươn Đông Thịnh at 8:00 AM, Miến Lươn tasting, Dong Xuan Market visit. Includes English-speaking guide, cyclo.
Hanoi Cultural Food Tour ($100–$150/person, 2 days): Miến Lươn Minh Lan, Hoan Kiem Lake, vegan cooking class, homestay ($20–$50/night). Includes meals, guide.
Hanoi & Son Tay Immersion ($250–$400/person, 3 days): Top Miến Lươn spots, Son Tay Citadel, Ba Vi National Park, homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers. Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, and fees. Enjoy 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links around this page! TripAdvisor Reviews
Miến Lươn, Hanoi’s fragrant eel cellophane noodle soup, is a culinary gem in Hoan Kiem Ward, savored for $1.50–$3 at iconic stalls like Miến Lươn Đông Thịnh, where crispy eel and rich broth shine. Rooted in rice-farming traditions, it captures Hanoi’s communal spirit, served with eco-friendly reusable bowls and sustainably sourced ingredients. Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Tours guide you to the heart of Miến Lươn’s heritage, ensuring a sustainable Hanoi Travel experience blending flavor, culture, and sustainability. Whether slurping a steaming bowl or exploring the Old Quarter, Miến Lươn promises an unforgettable Hanoi adventure. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your culinary journey today!
Ready to savor Hanoi’s iconic Miến Lươn? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable culinary adventure!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
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